By SEMA News Editors

Officials with the SEMA Show are excited to introduce a top-of-the-line attendee resource, Bessie, the AI-powered chatbot designed to answer all your SEMA Show questions. 

SEMA Show's Bessie AI-powered chatbot will complement SEMAShow.com and the SEMA Show mobile app, plus all the on-site collateral, signage and related resources to help attendees maximize their time at the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3, in Las Vegas.

Chatting with Bessie is easy: just download the SEMA Show mobile app, visit SEMAShow.com or look for signage around the SEMA Show campus for the direct text number to access pertinent information right at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. QR codes will also be placed around the SEMA Show campus, providing convenient access.

"Providing relevant Show information to attendees, at the right time, in the right format, is a priority for SEMA. Bessie, our new chatbot resource, puts answers to many frequently asked Show questions right at your fingertips. And since it can be accessed via QR code, direct text, via SEMAShow.com and our official mobile app, it is a great new complement to existing Show tools and provides another resource to navigate the Show and maximize experiences." 

This new resource aims to: 

• Enhance attendee interactions, offer personalized assistance and enrich the premier, trade-only event for all participants. 
• Build a stronger, more engaged community by improving overall attendee satisfaction through timely Show information. 
• Offer SEMA Show attendees a new text-based/SMS solution and convenient means to deliver information to mobile devices. 
• Create a resource that offers year-round, instant (less than 3 seconds) answers and personalized responses to attendee questions. 

SEMA has selected 42Chat as the exclusive chatbot provider for the SEMA Show. 42Chat's advanced AI-powered bots have been an integral part of many successful events and festivals, providing value to communities with instant answers and building trust through a customer-first approach to increase event engagement. 

42Chat's unique technology combines chatbots, text and micro-apps to help solve business problems. 

The proprietary conversation engine responds to millions of different ways attendees will ask questions (not just specific keywords) to provide the information the attendees need, when they need it. 

And, Bessie the AI chatbot will learn as it develops, so have fun getting to know the SEMA Show a little better! And, if you happen to "stump" Bessie with a question, it will share the information as it learns what questions the global community is asking the most, elevating the SEMA Show experience for years to come.

Using SEMA's chatbot service is completely up to the user, and mobile numbers collected during the engagement process will be used for emergency purposes only. Users have the option to opt out at any time.

By Ashley Reyes

Builders and engineers who are featuring a vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31--November 3 in Las Vegas, have until Wednesday, October 25, to submit their entries for the new SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award. The award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle or features an aspect that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award also aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty-equipment industry and placing a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

To be considered for the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year award, builders must upload a photo, video and description of the engineering content included in the build and the location of the displayed vehicle at the SEMA Show into their submission. Entries are being accepted until Wednesday, October 25, at this link.

The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award winner will be announced at SEMA Central (Booth #10001, Central Hall) on Thursday, November 2, at the SEMA Show. Be sure to stop by the booth to learn more!

By SEMA News Editors

See the latest news from exhibitors of the SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas. 

SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as successful and worthwhile as possible for all. Registration is still available online for $120 through the event date. Badge pick-up will be available on-site at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the West Hall for those who register online. Full-service registration (and badge pick-up) will be open in South Hall for those who still need to register. Get started on your road to the 2023 SEMA Show by registering today at SEMAShow.com/register!  

And, it's never too early to start your SEMA Show plan. Create a customized schedule, view the floorplan and exhibitor list, browse education sessions, keynote addresses and other Show-related events with the SEMA app at SEMAShow.com/app. 

Keystone Automotive Operations to Unveil Cal Auto Creations' Jeep Super Wagoneer

Keystone Automotive Operations, the Exeter, Pennsylvania-based distribution company for the automotive aftermarket, will debut the latest custom vehicle from acclaimed builder Andy Leach and his Bennington, Nebraska-based Cal Auto Creations at the 2023 SEMA Show. The vehicle, a '68 Jeep Super Wagoneer, will be unveiled in Keystone Automotive Operations Booth #21249, Tuesday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.

"We set out to build something different and special with this one, and it really feels like everything came together nicely," said Leach. "From the body work, paint, motor and interior to a suspension and chassis built to handle anything on or off-road, it takes an incredible team of talented craftsmen working together to bring something like this to life. We are looking forward to revealing it and sharing it all week long alongside Keystone in Las Vegas at the SEMA Show."

For the complete details, including the engine type and more performance upgrades on the build, visit the Keystone Automotive announcement.

Install Bay to Display Professional 12-volt Installation Products

Install Bay by Metra Electronics is expanding its comprehensive collection of professional 12-volt installation products with new single-zone and three-zone controllers with Bluetooth wireless technology, micro line output converters, replacement socket kits in various sizes, connectors, fuse holders and more. These products are designed using the best available materials to ensure ease of use and years of reliability, many of which will be in Metra Electronics Booth #10539 in the North Hall. Its off-roading and powersports products will be on display at Metra Electronics Booth #60031 in the West Hall.

For the complete details, including the exact products set for display, visit the Metra Electronics announcement.

Hot Shot's Secret Invites the Industry to a Press Conference

Hot Shot's Secret invites SEMA Show attendees to a special announcement in the Hot Shot's Secret Booth #23261 on Wednesday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. PDT. 

"We look forward to sharing with you how Hot Shot's Secret's new Pure Demand ByPass Filtration System extends oil drains and provides outstanding engine protection, all while saving time and money," a company official stated.

New Metra PowerSports Products to Launch at SEMA

Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics will display several new products, including a six-zone switch panel designed for UTVs and other outdoor vehicles, a 4-AWG high-current, quick-disconnect power block, a four-piece chasing LED golf cart canopy kit and Heise Connect RGB controller crossover cables. Metra's off-roading and powersports SEMA booth, #60031, will be in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3. Metra Electronics' off-roading and powersports products will be on display at Metra Electronics Booth #60031 in the West Hall.

For the complete details, including specs on its six-zone switch panel and related products, visit the Metra Electronics announcement.

By SEMA Editors

There are five weeks until the aftermarket industry converges in Las Vegas for the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3. As exhibitors gear up to connect with a projected 160,000 buyers, influencers, dealers and more automotive professionals, here's a list of key deadlines and checklists to keep the industry on track and on budget.

SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of all of the deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, which are also detailed below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.

Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.

Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, September 28 discount deadline, which offers prices up to 40% off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show. Our partners at Freeman are here to help answer any questions about preparing for the SEMA Show and maximizing savings. Email sema@freeman.com or call 888-508-5054 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. PDT) to connect directly.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists. 

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

• October 19: Hanging sign/banner shipments to advance Freeman Warehouse.
• October 19: New Product Showcase advance shipments to Freeman Warehouse.
• October 20: Photography Order--Expo Ease
• October 20: Plant and Floral Order--Expo Ease
• October 26: Freight--1st Day Shipments accepted at LVCC (refer to Target Floor Plan)
• October 27: Vehicle Detailing (Advanced Rate)--ShowFleet
• November 2: Last Day to Pick Up Banquet Tickets--12:00 p.m. deadline
• November 3: Members Lounge Conference Room Reservation by 3 p.m.
• November 3: Online Registration Closes at 2 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show organizers invite members of the industry to celebrate the specialty-equipment aftermarket and those​ who have made innovative and significant contributions to it during the 2023 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 2, at the Paradise Events Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. 

Enjoy live music by Emmy Award winner and Las Vegas staple Patrick & the LVB, who reprise their live entertainment role by popular demand!

"We were thrilled to secure Patrick & the LVB to perform at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "We can't wait to celebrate some of the industry's finest and unite generations of the industry representing past, present and future leadership at this one-of-a-kind event. Limited tickets remain, so make sure you grab your tickets today!"

The SEMA Industry Awards Banquet serves as the annual gathering of the global SEMA community, allowing them to connect, facilitate business and create a platform to honor thought leaders. Join your peers as SEMA recognizes the Person of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tickets are now available online for $99. 

SEMA Industry Awards Banquet Agenda

Paradise Events Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Thursday, November 2

6:00 p.m. PDT: Cocktail reception sponsored by Fifth Third Bank Motorsports

7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. PDT: Dinner, awards ceremony and entertainment

To purchase tickets, visit here.

SEMA Show Exhibitors Receive Complimentary Tickets

Exhibitors receive a complimentary ticket per 10x10 booth purchased (for a maximum of 10 tickets). Complimentary tickets will only be available for pick-up at the SEMA Member Lounge, outside of N251 on the second level of the LVCC above SEMA Central, from Sunday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m. through Thursday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. (Tickets must be picked up during this time; those that did not receive tickets in the mail can also pick up at the kiosk).

In addition, a host table may be purchased for $2,000. Host companies receive a prime seating location and a 30-second commercial spot played during the banquet's spectacular program.

Celebrate with your team members and future stars of the industry during an event that will inspire industry professionals and the next generation of leadership to be legendary and make their mark on the industry. Purchase your tickets today!​

By Ashley Reyes

Even amid the economic uncertainty of the last year, 55% of automotive aftermarket manufacturers are reporting expected growth in the coming year, up from only 44% last Fall, according to the new "SEMA State of the Industry-Fall 2023 Report," which is now available for download at sema.org/market-research.

The report is the latest study in the "SEMA State of the Industry" biannual series that explores the current state of the automotive specialty equipment industry, including how businesses are doing, key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities along with an outlook for 2024 and beyond.

"Our latest 'SEMA State of the Industry' report shows that despite inflation and current economic turmoil, including the UAW strike, aftermarket sales continue to grow," said SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp. "While there has been softening sales for some firms, two-thirds of industry companies are reporting stable or growing sales over the last year."

Other key findings from the report include: 

• Even with inflation and other uncertainty in the market, one-third of manufacturers report double-digit growth over the last year.
• Inflation continues to impact the industry, with more than half of manufacturers indicating their prices have increased in the last year. Nearly 90% of companies say that increased supplier costs are the key driving factor.
• New-vehicle sales continue to rebound, projected more than 16 million in 2024, though an extended UAW strike could further restrict supply.
• The truck sector continues as the top market for the industry, with the majority of manufacturers and retailers viewing the off-road segment as a growth opportunity.

As the automotive specialty-equipment market continues to evolve, the report will provide aftermarket companies with the data and insights they need to navigate the industry's landscape and make more informed business decisions. SEMA Business Members can download the report for free at sema.org/market-research. 

In addition, attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, are invited to attend the "State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions" education seminar, Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 p.m. PDT in the North Hall, Room N256. Led by SEMA Market Research Director Knapp, the seminar will help attendees gain an understanding of how the specialty-equipment market has fared in 2023 and where it is headed going into 2024. Register for the seminar at this link.

By Kenny Wright

What will auto fuel and power sources look like in the future? How soon will these changes happen? What are the challenges faced when developing and distributing alternative fuel? Learn the answers to these and many more topics at the SEMA Show's all-new Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel in the North Hall, Room N258, Thursday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. PDT. Register here.

Engage with global industry leaders and subject-matter experts as they reveal details on the application, benefits and integration of alternative fuels, plus the practical and scalable solutions that can fast-track the decarbonization process through these technologies.

The moderator for this event will be Margaret Hoover, political commentator, strategist, and host of PBS' Firing Line with Margaret Hoover. Featured panelists will include:

• Michael Boe-BorgWarner: vice president and general manager global aftermarket, BorgWarner Emission, Thermal and Turbo Systems.
• Tuomo Isokivijxrvi: CEO at StepOne Tech Ltd. and co-founder of eFlexFuel.
• Zachary Santner: manager of product engineering and fuels for Sunoco Performance Products.
• Indresh Mathur, PhD: director of innovations and customer solutions for Monument Renewables.
• James Williamson: executive regional business manager for emissions systems at AVL.
• Elaina Farnsworth: speaker, author and agent for Change in Electrification and 21st Century Infrastructure and CEO of SkillFusion. 

This group of experts will discuss alternative fuels and their manufacturing processes; the application of alternative fuels in the automotive industry; emerging technologies and decarbonization targets; and the infrastructure and policies needed for mass adaptation. 

Learn about the challenges--and solutions!--behind developing, practicing and scaling a renewable alternative fuel. The first-ever Future of Automotive Fuel Technology panel will be an enlightening and thought-provoking event, so register now and don't miss out on this opportunity to glimpse the future of automotive fuel technology.

The Future of Automotive Fuel Technology Event Info:

Thursday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. PDT

North Hall–N258

Register here.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office 

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SEMA-supported  legislation (AB 436) into law to allow automobile cruising activities to return statewide. Previously, local authorities were authorized to pass ordinances that regulated or prohibited cruising.  

Authored by Assembly Member David Alvarez (D-San Diego), this effort follows a resolution approved by the legislature last year to celebrate the history and culture of automobile cruising and encourage local officials and law enforcement to work with local car clubs to conduct safe cruising events. The new law will go into effect January 1, 2024. 

For more information, contact Colby Martin at san@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame and Robert E. Petersen Media Awards, which celebrate and acknowledge individuals who have made a significant contribution to the motorsports parts manufacturing segment of the aftermarket or to the MPMC. 

The Hall of Fame nominee should demonstrate unparalleled leadership and deserve recognition for their impact on the motorsports sector. Criteria include being a current or past employee of an MPMC member company who has made significant contributions to the motorsports parts industry for more than 10 years. In December, Hall of Fame inductees will be announced and recognized at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show in Indianapolis. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award honors a member of the print, online or broadcast media who has made a substantial contribution to the motorsports industry within the past year and maintains an ongoing record of service and support to the motorsports market. To be considered for the award, the nominee must be an automotive or motorsports journalist with work published in print or online and must actively support the industry with positive content. 

The Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner will be announced and recognized during the MPMC Reception at the 2024 MPMC Media Trade Conference, which takes place January 30-February 1, at the Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

Nominations are due November 10. Don't miss your chance to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who drive positive change in motorsports. Nominate today!

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA has announced the finalists for three of its prestigious Industry Awards that honor and celebrate the automotive aftermarket's most impactful leaders. Presented at the SEMA Show, the awards recognize a company or person for their outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry during the past year. The award finalists include:  

Channel Partner of the Year  

• Meyer Distributing 
• Motor State Distributing 
• Summit Racing Equipment 

Manufacturer of the Year 

• Dee Zee Inc. 
• QA1 
• Turbosmart 

Content Creator of the Year 

• Alex Taylor, Drag Racer, TV personality 
• Christopher Polvoorde, Off-Road Driver 
• David Freiburger, TV personality 
• Vaughn Gittin Jr., RTR Team Owner, Driver 
• Vin Anatra, Hoonigan 

The Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year Awards will be announced alongside the new-product award winners during the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 a.m. PDT at the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

SEMA Person of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced during the Industry Award Banquet on Thursday, November 2, at 6:00 p.m. PDT in the Paradise Event Center in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The winner of the new Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will be announced earlier that same day in SEMA Central.  

Secure your tickets for the Kickoff Breakfast or Industry Award Banquet here.